Before the car became king, the bicycle sparked a social and mechanical revolution. Join the Bethlehem Historical Association, in partnership with the Bethlehem Public Library, for an engaging journey through the early days of cycling.

“Fun On Two Wheels: A Short History Of The Bicycle” While we view the bicycle as a simple machine today, its path to perfection was anything but smooth. Speaker David H. Chinery will trace the evolution of cycling from 1815 to 1900, exploring the era of:

• The Draisine: The early “running machine” with no pedals.

• The Boneshaker: The jarring wooden-wheeled velocipede.

• The High Wheel: The iconic (and precarious) Penny-farthing.

• The Safety Bicycle: The design that finally made cycling accessible to the masses.

Beyond the gears and frames, the session dives into the radical social changes the bicycle ignited—from liberating women’s fashion and mobility to transforming how both men and women interacted with the world around them.

David H. Chinery is a professional horticulturist (Senior Resource Educator with the Cornell Cooperative Extension) and a dedicated history enthusiast based in Castleton, NY. Known for his ability to blend technical detail with engaging storytelling, Chinery brings a unique perspective to the mechanical and cultural heritage of the Hudson Valley.

Note: Registration is highly recommended due to limited seating. While walk-ins are welcome if space allows, registered patrons are guaranteed a seat. To register, visit the library’s website or call 518-439-9314